Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso arrested on five child-abuse felonies, suspended by governor

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Michael Caruso, 67, was taken into custody early Tuesday on five felony counts that include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually abused a male family member under the age of 12 during a period spanning 2024 to 2025, including incidents on a family fishing trip and a seven-day cruise on the Royal Caribbean vessel Icon of the Seas.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said the investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Statewide Prosecution uncovered probable cause, adding, > "Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability." Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that immediately suspended Caruso, barring him from performing any official duties, receiving pay, or exercising the privileges of his office while the case proceeds.

According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged victim disclosed that Caruso isolated him from his parents on the cruise under the pretext of getting ice cream, then showered with him and engaged in sexual acts. Earlier incidents described include Caruso taking the child fishing alone, during which the child reported inappropriate touching, and a Thanksgiving-day encounter in 2024 where the child said Caruso exposed himself and touched him while playing a game he called “tickle monster.”

The child began receiving therapeutic services in April 2026, with a therapist noting signs of trauma consistent with the alleged abuse. Prosecutors have not yet filed additional charges, but officials indicated more may follow. Caruso will be held without bond pending his first court appearance, and the case is being handled by Special Counsel Rita Peters and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, now a criminal-defense lawyer, cautioned that the case is not yet proven, stating, > "This is a very disturbing series of allegations and it still needs to be investigated further because the key for prosecutors is to develop corroboration. Probable cause is a long way from beyond a reasonable doubt."

The investigation remains ongoing.